Fireplace safety

- Smithfield, RI (WPRI) -- More Southern New Englanders are looking for less expensive ways to heat their homes and that means an increase in the use of fireplaces. One local fire marshal is making sure there isn't also an increase in fires this year. This year more southern new engladers are turning to their fireplaces to help offset the high cost of heating their houses.Peter Massaro is a fire marshall in the town of Smithfield and over the years he's investigated many chimney related house fires. His quick safe tips are: make sure it's serviced, cleaned by a professional, also plan to use it so no creosote builds up.

Every year thousands of fires start in the chimney. Massaro says one of the main cultprits is 100 percent preventable: make sure it's capped so no nest from birds, etc. The chimney safety institute of america (csi) also recommends that homeowners choose the right fuel, keep the hearth area clean, use a fireplace screen and keep it clear: make sure tree branches are at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney. As long as it is maintained and cleaned it should be safe this winter. Along with these safety tips one of the most important things a homeowner can do is make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are all working and have a fire extinguisher in the home is also recommended.